Chapter 17:

Kat was awoken with a hit in the shoulder with the heavy hand of the now sober captain. She fluttered her eyes open careful that none of the sunlight would blind her as her eyes adjusted. The captain gave her a smug look and nodded to the doorway of her small cabin. Kat nodded her head, slowly got up and gathered her bag that she used as a pillow the night before. It was bad enough that she had to sleep in a tiny room that wasn't even fit for a cabin boy, but she nothing to sleep on. Which meant she had to do with what she had.

The captain prodded at her again as her eyes began to slowly close and open as if she was going back to sleep. She ran her fingers through her hair a bit and waved at the captain's hand. He nodded down to her and left the small room without another word. Kat tried to braid her hair back and noticed that now that the captain was sober, he didn't talk much at all. He would mutter a few words and phrases, but other than th at he kept his mouth shut. She rubbed her shoulders to get out any of the kinks that may have settled in during the night and slung her bag over her shoulder.

Outside most of the crew was already down the pier and Kat was grateful for that. They had no idea that she was even on the ship. The captain had agreed to keep her presence on the boat quiet in exchange for a few of the golden candle holders that Kat had 'borrowed' from Arthur Benikins for the journey. It was one of the only ways to pay for the passage. Just after they set sail, the captain finally sobered up and asked her why she was on his ship as he didn't remember giving her permission. She assumed he didn't remember much of anything with how much rum and grog was in his system. Even though she had to pay for the trip she rather liked the sober version of the captain in comparison to his drunken, 'rainbow monkey' raving self.

She gave the captain a wave of the hand as she disembarked, seeing that in fact Darla had a good judge of character when the captain gave her back one of the three candle holders she gave him in payment for her crossing. She smiled and thanked the man as she walked down the pier toward the harsh streets of Tortuga.

The port of Tortuga was just as the one before. The port's men followed every woman with interest, for they were in search of pleasurable company. Men followed Kat some even stepped in her way to ask how much. Kat looked at each and every one with disgust and just pushed them out of her way, saying that she was taken for the night. Thankfully, that was all that had to be said for the majority of the pirates as they moved on to the next pretty thing on two legs. Some needed a little more persuasion and Kat had to bring her new dagger from inside her boot. They would eventually back off soon after that.

Kat passed many corners and alleyways until she passed a very familiar corner and very familiar wall. She went over to the wall a discovered that there were still some scratch marks over the surface. Of course, what should she expect in a port like this, hardly anyone cleans up. She put her fingertips over the harsh surface and traced the paths that her fingernails had made so many months ago. She smirked to herself, unable to contain a small giggle that escaped from her lips. She remembered that night in vivid detail. She remembered how he came out of nowhere, grabbed her, ran like Hell and then took her aboard the Pearl after some persuasion on her part.

"I'll find you Jack," she whispered under her breath and turned from the wall and her memories to the streets, "No matter what it takes, I will find you."

Jack watched the other ships float silently in the harbor of Tortuga as his Pearl stood out above all the rest. He was always proud of that fact, but tonight he could have used a little something to bring down the extravagance that is the Pearl. He wanted to keep a low profile since he had yet again escaped from certain death. Even though Tortuga was a relatively safe port for pirates, there have been some circumstances where some authorities have caught a few pirates wanted in the Tortuga utopia.

Jack took a huge breath of air as he looked away from the land and toward the horizon heading toward back to Port Royal. His crew had gone to shore, including Anamaria, but Jack had decided to stay on board for just a while longer. Sure, he had said he needed to think, which usually meant he was set on a full night of his favorite beverage, but he had taken time to really stop- actually think and ponder over the situation.

He took off his hat and turned it over in his hands, then placed back on his head. He gave another sigh, took a walk on the main deck, checked various sails and then found himself standing at the helm of the ship. He looked to his side leaning a little on the solid wood in front of him.

'Captain, are you so certain you know what you are doing?'

A voice spoke out to him. It seemed so distant, so far away. It came from somewhere he couldn't reach, somewhere in his mind tucked securely away. He knew it was a memory of her. In one way he didn't want to think of her, but in another he could do nothing but do just that.

He bowed his head and gave a low chuckle to himself, "You know, I don't really know if I know what I am doing. Your probably still waiting for me aren't you?"

He looked up at the setting sun, "But it can't be. I can't go back for you. You made sure of that with your deal, didn't you?"

Tearing his eyes away from the sun, he thought over what he had just stated and something dug at him. It was another accord. Another agreement. No matter how air tight they were, there was always room to bust it wide open. She had done it before, she could do it again. He just had to figure out what that flaw was.

He told Anamaria that he couldn't fall in love with her. It wasn't done, it isn't what pirates do... It was already too late. He was in love, he did care, and he did want to go back. He formed a fist with his hand and hit the dark wood of the banister. He closed his eyes shut and walked from the helm and off the ship.

It was time for his usual way of thinking and for a giant tankard that had his name on it.

Kat searched the busy town for any signs of Jack, the Black Pearl or of the crew. None of the crew members could be found in the sea of people walking on and off the soft sands of the beach, though she thought she heard Gibbs weaving another tale at the corner of a tavern and the screech of Cotton's parrot. It was always her imagination she noticed when she tried to take a closer look. She tried to get a closer to the dock to see what ships had come in, but she couldn't get close enough as more men had poured from their ships and in toward the town. She had had settled for a patch of sand that overlooked the Caribbean west of Tortuga. There were no ships docked, just sand and the waters that lapped at her boots.

It was dark and late enough for her not to stay out on her lonesome. She reluctantly got up from the soft sand, brushed off her backside and walked back toward the inner part of the port. The least she could do is check the taverns, and if that didn't show any results she could always check into an inn. She probably would be kept up all night, but it would be better than hiding in a small crawl space in another ship. Plus, she had the money- or at least pieces to barter with.

The many taverns she visited that night were much like the ones that she had been into with Jack. She even found the one that she ran into when she arrived in Tortuga the first time, scared and stressed and ready to be eaten alive. She didn't find the dashing, dark stranger in the back in the tri-corner hat as she did the first night she came to Tortuga, but she lingered a little just watching the memory replay in her mind. She sat down, actually took time to look around, see a few fights ensue, a few more tables being turned, grabbed a small drink and then left. She may not be partial to rum, but she had a hard time saying no to some good wine these days. And truth be told, some Tortuga taverns had some great quality wine.

After a few more looks into a few more taverns down the streets Kat found a small inn that was better than what all the others seemed. She made her way into what had to be the lobby and went to the woman behind a large mahogany desk. Kat sat down her bag next to the long desk, but made sure that it was fastened securely around her leg just so any passing by wouldn't be temped. She didn't spend all that time with pirates and not learn a thing or two.

"Excuse me," Kat got the woman's attention, "I need a room for the night."

The woman was stout and a little too old to be in the same business as the other women outside. Her hair was turning gray and her eyes were magnified a little by her small glasses that kept slipping down her nose.

She cleared her throat and pushed the glasses up to the top of her nose, "Will any be joinin' ye? 'Cause if tha' be the case, we're out of rooms, missy."

"Thank ye Gretchen," a tall looking pirate came up to the counter with his arm over a smaller woman, both of which seemed at least half drunk, "The room was great."

"No problem," the older woman took the keys as the pirate and his woman stumbled out of the lobby, "It looks as if we 'ave an openin'."

"Oh no," Kat said pushing the keys to the now unoccupied room back to the woman. She dug into her pockets that she had sewn into the pants while on her time on the Silver Maiden and pulled out a few shillings, "It will just be me. I just need to find a place to sleep."

"Ah, in tha' case, we 'ave plenty 'o rooms," the woman jumped out from behind the counter picked up another key and led the way down a tight hall, "Follow me."

Kat followed her to a small, yet comfortable room that held a canopy bed and still had enough room for a dresser and a small partition at the side, "This will be just fine, thank you."

Kat handed the woman the shillings and she smiled, "Ye know, ye gave me too much."

"No matter, you keep the change, I won't be needing it for much longer."

"Thank ye, lass," the woman was about to shut the door as Kat stared out the window, but then stopped short, "Ye know…"

Kat looked away from the window with a bit of confusion on her face as the woman continued, "With this extra, ye are fine to bring another in if ye like."

Kat smirked at the woman because she caught her drift, "Thank you for the offer, but I don't think that I will find the man I'm looking for tonight."

"Well, ye possibly will tomorrow, aye?"

"Possibly," Kat whispered as the woman closed the door, leaving the key on the small side table.

Kat put a few of her items next to her bedside, thinking that they may bring some comfort in the night. She smiled when she pulled out the wanted poster of Jack and the handkerchief wrapped soaps. She had a more than a hunch that the partition at the side of the room held a bath behind it. At least she was hoping that was the case. After unloading the items that she wanted out she fell onto her bed and closed her eyes for a few moments. Even if she tried she couldn't fall asleep, although God knew that her body needed it. The few nights that she spent on the other ship in that tight confinement called a room didn't let her find anything near to sleep.

She rolled onto her side and stared at the partition a little longer before her curiosity got the better of her. She stood up, secured her door and looked around the material to see a small tin tub with water to the side.

"Thank the Lord, God All mighty," she whispered and turned to grab her soaps. She picked the largest one and some dry clothes as she would be using her others as a towel more than likely. She striped herself down and climbed into the clean water where she began to lather.

After a quick bath and a change into some clean clothes, she braided her hair again off to the side and looked out the window. Tortuga was swarming with people and she couldn't keep track of the number as each person raced to and fro. Pirates chased women and wenches chased pirates. It was one big cat and mouse game in the streets below. She turned from the window, slid herself down the wall to the side and sat on the floor to look at the ceiling in thought.

"How in Heaven's Name am I going to find him in that?" she asked no one in particular. She slid her eyes closed and took a deep breath to center herself.

"Jack, is tha' ye?!"

Kat popped her eyes open as she heard a woman from down below squeal with excitement. Her breathing began to increase and she fumbled to find her footing as she scurried back to the window. Down below she saw a scantily dressed woman with red hair running over to a crowd of people at the corner of the street below. Kat followed the woman's pathway with her eyes, frantically scanning the street below. The woman in the red dress pulled at a sleeve and eventually plucked the man from the group heading into the tavern across the way.

Suddenly, there he was. Captain Jack Sparrow, in the flesh, stood in the street with this rather loud woman hung on his arm.

He looked rather uncomfortable and looked up and down the street for any help he may find. His expression reminded Kat of the night he tried to get away from Tula.

"That poor fool," she chuckled, pushed herself away from the window, grabbed the keys to her room and ran toward the entrance to the inn as fast as her legs could carry her. She wasn't going to lose him now, not when she is so close.

Meanwhile, outside Jack was trying his hardest to calm down two ladies who were now in front of him instead of just the one.

"Scarlet," he motioned to one and then to the other, "Giselle, I think you ladies have the wrong impression as to why I am here."

"I know we were bad ladies when we saw ye last time those years ago," Scarlet pulled playfully on his goatee and batter her eyes at him, "But we're better behaved and get a long real well."

"Tha's right," Giselle giggled and leaned up against Jack, "Ye don' 'ave to pick between us or anything."

"As enticing as all that sounds, I have to decline, ladies," Jack stepped out to his side where there was no woman blocking his exit. Both ladies pouted and crossed their arms over their chests. Jack put up his hands in defense, "Sorry, but I'm taken at the moment."

"Taken?!" Giselle began to giggle behind her hand as if it was an inside joke.

"By who?" Scarlet huffed as if she didn't believe him.

"By me."

The two ladies looked behind Jack with confusion clear on their faces. Jack, on the other hand, froze in his spot and didn't dare turn around. That voice could not be who it sounded like. It must be his mind playing those horrible tricks yet again. He furrowed his brows, took a breath for courage and turned around in a swift, smooth movement. There in the middle of the street- not three feet from him- was Kat. Her hair was wet and braided to one side, her clothes were simple, but very much Kat. She smiled at him and held out her arms in a useless gesture as if to simply say 'I'm here'.

"Who are you?" Scarlet asked and walked around her in a circle as if she was prey or meek. Kat wanted to laugh at her. She reminded her of a less colorful Tula.

"Call me Kat," she answered and stepped away from Scarlet's circling.

"How do you know Jack?" Giselle asked and leaned over his shoulder from behind.

"I sailed under his command and learned quite a few things," she shrugged, gently took Giselle off of Jack and then eyed both girls, "Like lines and rigging and how to defend myself with a blade."

Both women looked at one another and Giselle turned unconcerned, "Well then, who are we te argue. Not worth it in my book."

"I already see better prospects any how," the other said and ran to some men cat calling out to them.

"Ironic they say you're not worth the trouble," Kat dusted her hands as if casting off the last of the two women away. She turned back to Jack, "They didn't even give me a proper figh-"

Jack rushed up and grabbed her quickly to bring her into a heated kiss. He pulled her to him by her waist and her hair where his second hand was now entangled. She was surprised, but not unprepared. She wrapped her arms around his neck and returned the kiss in equal enthusiasm. She smiled and breathed against his mouth, unable to quell her rapid heartbeat or invigoration in finding him. His hand around her waist tightened to make sure she had no where to go and the hand in her hair only undid the lovely braid she had put it in. It was now a mess... and she couldn't be happier. She pressed kisses to his lips and then pulled away from him for a moment to look at him.

She pulled her arms from around his neck and held his face in her hands. She looked in his eyes and traced his cheeks and lips with her fingers, "I found you."

He smiled himself and cupped one of her cheeks in his hand that slipped from her hair. His thumb, light on her skin caressed the last marking from the bruise she had received from her ex-fiance. It was an ugly green mixed with yellow and marred her beautiful face. He already knew that she received it from one of two men. If given the chance he would kill them both. One for doing it and the other for allowing it to happen.

"It's over," she told him and leaned into his hand once she found him examining the last of the bruise.

Jack leaned forward and kissed the cheek lightly just in case there was still any sensitivity or pain.

She watched him take such great care with her as if she was going to disappear on him. With a soft laugh she put a finger under his chin and moved his face to look at her eye to eye once more, "Are you going to say anything?"

"I don't want to chance waking up," he said simply and hugged her tight to him. After he felt her arms wrap around him to return the embrace he noticed more than a few men and women watching them. He cleared his throat and then pushed Kat toward the side of the street. When she looked at him with a question in her eyes he leaned toward her to whisper, "May need to get out of the eye of the public, luv."

Luv.

That never sounded better.

"I have a room, follow me," she grabbed his hand and walked him through the inn doors and up the stairs, past the obvious stares from Gretchen at the front desk. She opened the door without much trouble and walked straight into her room, not bothering to close the door behind her as Jack stood in the doorway. She began to pack her small bag once again, throwing her dirty clothes, wanted poster and wrapped soaps haphazardly into the bag, not caring how it was packed for once.

"What are you doing?" he asked from the doorway.

"I am getting my things together so I can take it to the Pearl," she answered, tied the bag closed and tossed it on the bed to show him the finished product, "What do you think?"

"Well, to be perfectly honest with you," he stepped into the room, closed the door behind him and then leaned back against it, "I was thinking that you have a room. All to your lonesome. I could help fill that room and absolve some of said loneliness."

"Ah, I see," she smirked and took a couple of steps toward him with her hands on her hips, "You are a true gentleman, Jack Sparrow."

"Nothing but, m'lady," he bowed playfully toward her.

"I do have a thought, though," she pointed one finger and it caught his attention. She tapped it on her lips and took a couple of steps back toward the bed and turned from him, "This lonely room of mine is only on loan- which sad to say means that there is a time limit. On board a ship, on the other hand, the room goes with it. No limitations."

There were suddenly two arms wrapped around her middle and pulled her back into his chest. His lips were right at her ear so he could whisper, "Have I told you how much I missed you and your pearls of wisdom?"

"No, but you could always remind me," she looked over her shoulder at him, "So what will it be, Captain?"

"Grab your things," he said quickly and nipped her shoulder with his teeth, "The Pearl awaits."

Kat nearly squealed in excitement, grabbed her bag and let Jack lead her out of the room. She really missed the Pearl and was ecstatic to be heading back on board. She tossed the key back to Gretchen and thanked her for her short stay- even walked out with no talk of taking any money back. After all she had no use of it anymore.

Jack led her back to the Pearl without the majority of his crew being the wiser. For the most part, it looked like most of them were still out in Tortuga enjoying themselves. Only one or two members were on the deck and kept an eye out for anything off. Jack and Kat went straight for his cabin and Jack waved at the two crew members to let them know they both would explain in the morning.

Kat tossed her bag to the side of the door and stretched her arms above her head, "The feeling of home never felt better."

Jack closed and locked the doors behind him. He took a long look at Kat as she touched the craftsmanship of the Pearl and the wooden etchings around the windows. She was probably the only one who appreciated his ship as much as he did. He took off his jacket and hat, tossed them over her bag and came up behind her to wrap her in his arms again.

"I have questions," he said and pulled her tighter, "How did you get away? What was the loophole? How'd you find me?"

"Questions are fine and everything," she paused and turned around in his arms. She walked him backwards until his legs hit his bed and he fell back. With his arms still around her waist, he pulled her down with him. With a large smile plastered on her face, she kissed him a few times before she continued, "... but you can ask them in the morning."

"In the morning?" he asked and looked up at her, her hair becoming a wavy curtain that fell to one side blocking the moon light.

Kat nodded with a coy smile and kissed along his jaw and chin, "All the questions you want."

"What are we doing in the meantime?" he asked in a bit of a daze.

She came back up to his lips and kissed them until he was sure they would both have bruised lips. She looked him in the eye, "I was thinking you could show me a night to remember... we never really got to finish the one from before."

"We didn't, did we?" he chuckled and quickly turned the tables and pinned her under him, "No kicking me out of bed this time?"

"I don't think that will be a problem, because you are going nowhere on my watch," Kat smiled and pulled him down to kiss her again.